Fall woods walks stalked by Sasquatch?/Brian Hess

Wilder-notes

October 11, 2013

Fall is here and in full swing. It's been getting cooler and we've had a couple of frosts in areas already. Ducks and geese, among many other things, are making their migration south. The leaves of several trees have changed color and fallen. Bucks will soon be starting their rut. Tributaries to the big lake are seeing salmon spawning. This is the time of year when many people get out into the woods to hunt, fish, or just enjoy nature without the constant swatting of mosquitoes.

While spending time in the woods, it's not unusual to get the sense you are being watched. Many people I have talked to have had and know this feeling. I get this feeling from time to time. When I do, I'll stop what I'm doing and try and figure out what it is that gives me that feeling. Sometimes it's a deer, sometimes it's an owl or raven, but a lot of times I never manage to see what's giving me that feeling or I see just a flash of something. Perhaps my imagination is playing tricks on me, or possibly whatever is watching is stealthy. I have to admit, after seeing the game camera pictures in the paper last fall of the big cat, this feeling has caused rise to the hairs on my back. It's these mysterious sightings or feelings that got me to thinking about the topic of cryptozoology and Sasquatch.

Legends and folklore of tall hairy humanoid creatures are present in many cultures and across all continents except Antarctica. In the Pacific Northwest they refer to them as Sasquatch among other names. In the Himalayas they are known as the Yeti. The name Bigfoot originated in California after tracks were seen around a construction site, casted, and reported in the local paper. Descriptions of the creature vary in size from around 6 feet to nearly 10 feet tall with feet as long as 24 inches. The reported hair colors range reddish brown, black or even blonde. Apparently these creatures also have an unpleasant odor.

There are several organizations that try to collect data and information on sightings, images, and DNA evidence to try and prove Sasquatch's existence. There are at least two groups located in Michigan that are collecting information. Sightings in Michigan have been documented all across the state. I was able to find recorded sightings from Houghton, Ontonagon, and Baraga Counties. It seems that Keweenaw County must have fewer or no Sasquatch. So far there has not been enough credible evidence, DNA or otherwise to convince the scientific community that Bigfoot is real. Most of the evidence has been proven to be a hoax.

Now I can't say that I have even seen anything in the woods that I would call a Sasquatch. That doesn't mean they are not out there. Enjoy the fall forest, but keep your eyes open and alert of your surroundings. If you ever get the feeling you are being watched while you're in the woods, and your hair begins to stand up, it may just be Sasquatch.